Saudi Arabia Meeting Planning Overview

Known as the birthplace of Islam and home of the holy Muslim cities of Medina and Mecca, Saudi Arabia is an Arabian Peninsula country with coastlines on the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Major Saudi Arabia places of interest include the busy capital city of Riyadh; the metropolitan city of Jeddah, a waterfront destination that has historically served as the gateway to Mecca; the summertime destination known as Taif; and the historical Al-Madinah, among other major cities. The country features a unique mix of cosmopolitan cities, rich heritage sites, beautiful beaches, traditional souks, and modern shopping centers.

Saudi Arabia is home to dozens of international and regional airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which serves as the closest international airport to Mecca, as well as the Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. Popular modes of transport in Saudi Arabia include private car and taxi service. Riyadh, however, is currently building a massive Metro network, that, upon its 2019 unveiling, will operate along 110 miles of track. Inter-city bus service is available throughout the country.

Meeting travelers will find a number of cutting-edge convention centers throughout Saudi Arabia, including stand-alone facilities and hotel-based convention centers, particularly in the Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam regions.

Saudi Arabia Meeting Venue Spotlight

Saudi Arabia Airport Information

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

Approximate taxi fare: 100 SAR

Set about 22 miles north of Riyadh, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport serves as the capital city's transport hub and as Saudi Arabia's second largest airport. The busy airport accommodates worldwide travel throughout its four commercial terminals and provides direct access to Metro transit.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)

Approximate taxi fare: 150 SAR

Set about 12 miles north of Jeddah, the busy King Abdulaziz International Airport is currently undergoing a large expansion project to accommodate its worldwide travel connections.

Saudi Arabia Public Transportation

Metro

Slated for a 2019 full opening, the Riyadh Metro system will consist of six Metro lines connecting approximately 85 stations, spanning 110 miles of track. The Metro project will also include public bus service throughout Riyadh.

Rental Cars

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport feature a variety of rental car providers throughout their terminals.

Taxi

Visitors traveling to Riyadh from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport should expect to pay approximately SAR 100. Visitors traveling to Jeddah from King Abdulaziz International Airport should expect to pay approximately SAR 150.